Compelling Soccer

Liverpool. v. Manchester United

Tables:

Liverpool: 15 pts, 8th in the Premiership

Man U: 22 pts, 2nd in the Premiership

Stakes: After four straight losses for Liverpool, things are arguably at crisis point. In reality, an undermanned squad probably should have trouble with the Red Devils. However any leeway was used up long ago. Despite votes of confidence, Rafa Benitez's job could be on the line. I wouldn't do it, but I'm running not running the show. Consider that right now, Liverpool is closer to relegation than they are to Chelsea up at the top of the table. That's just not going to cut it.

Thoughts on the Opposing Side: Sir Alex and his Devils are well known, enough so that even non soccer fans have heard of them. Liverpool may catch a break if Wayne Rooney is out but it's not like Man U doesn't have other able players. Dimitar Berbatov doesn't have great place but is an excellent finisher. Ryan Giggs looks to be back. And of course if Rooney can't go, there is a large chance Michael Owen is his replacement. One wonders how the Anfield faithful will treat their old hero now that he's suiting up for the other side. It isn't quite Everton, but there's no love lost for United.

(edit: Well Rooney is in. So much for that break)

Questions I have: Fernando Torres will be back for this one as he's in the starting XI. That's excellent news. Unfortunately, Steven Gerrard is not dressed today after he could not last a half hour against Lyon on Tuesday. The first question is in what form is Torres in? Liverpool simply doesn't have any striker in his stratosphere. Gerrard is important too, but I feel as though his absence could be covered up a little more. But it's still a question worth asking; how does Liverpool replace him? Yossi Benayoun is probably the key here. He's one of the few in Liverpool's midfield that has the creativity necessary to give the United defense problems.

For the record, there is the starting XI:

----------------Torres-------------------

-------------------Benayoun-------------

-----Auerilio------------------Kuyt---------

----------Lucas---------Mascherano---------

-Insua----Agger-------Carragher-----Johnson-

-----------------Reina-----------------------

Bench: Degen, Voronin, Babel, Skrtel, Diego, Ngog, Spearing


Will I Be Watching: Of course.

Expectations: Torres is the key; if he's in form then the side should get one point and could pull the three. If he's not, then a loss is very possible. The pessimistic side of me says they lose but I'll go with a draw as what to expect. Of course anything short of a win will be considered a disappointment.